Relationship Between Skin Temperature and Pressure Injuries: A Systematic Review

Abstract

Background/Objectives: Skin temperature has been considered a physiological variable associated with the risk of pressure injuries. This systematic review analyzed the available evidence regarding the relationship between skin temperature and the development, progression, or prevention of pressure injuries in humans. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Scopus, and Dimensions databases, including studies published between 2013 and 2023 in English or Spanish. PRISMA 2020 guidelines and EQUATOR network checklists (CONSORT, STROBE, CARE) were applied to assess methodological quality. Risk of bias was evaluated using RoB 2, ROBINS-I, ROBINS-E, and JBI tools. Results: The reviewed studies reported thermal variations in tissues subjected to sustained pressure, some of which preceded the appearance of visible clinical signs of tissue damage. However, methodological heterogeneity, lack of standardized thermal thresholds, and variability in measurement conditions limited the generalizability of the findings. Conclusions: Skin temperature may be associated with relevant pathophysiological mechanisms in the development of pressure injuries. Its measurement could complement traditional clinical tools, such as the Braden scale, enhancing early risk identification. More robust, multicenter, and standardized studies are needed to validate its clinical applicability.